A 70 per cent increase in global food demand is expected by 2050. With climate change affecting agricultural production. And innovation is proving the key to easing food insecurity.
Fitbit-style devices for cattle and acres of greenhouses producing vegetables in the Mediterranean UAE are changing fast.
A campaign by the Ministry of Climate Change aims to unite businesses with innovation and funding to tackle such issues.
Local farms are at the heart of the National Dialogue for Food Security. Which is to help reduce the reliance on imported goods.
New Project by Farmers
Moreover, the project will develop a platform for emerging innovation in food production. To improve the use of hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic farming.
This uses minimal resources to produce a high yield of fresh fruit and vegetables. While providing a gateway into the mass market.
The drive aims to increase domestic production and self-sufficiency of selected food items
Also, improve the income of UAE farms without compromising the food trade.
Under the plan, bodies will increase their purchases of fresh national food products to 50 per cent by the end of this year
Further, 70 per cent by 2025 and 100 per cent by 2030.
Food products and plant varieties identified in the first phase include red meat, poultry, and eggs.
In addition other dairy products, dates, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and aubergine.
Recent global crises have underlined the need for promoting food security in the UAE .
Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Minister of State for Food Security said
“To promote food security, the UAE has taken strategic steps, such as deploying advanced technology to strengthen the local food production sector,
Enhances its contribution to closing the food gap and tackling food loss and waste by launching several initiatives, like Ne’ma, to promote the sustainability of national farms,” she said.
“These initiatives aim to enhance food security in the UAE by boosting production and marketing effectiveness for local farms, particularly those following a modern and sustainable approach.”